Repentance
Does everyone need to repent?
John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” - Mark 1:4-11
John the Baptist was calling everyone to come, repent and seek forgiveness for their sins.
But what if they didn't think they had any sins?
Did Jesus need to repent?
If we take the position that he didn't need to repent, so there was no need for him to be baptized, then we could make the argument for someone who has not sinned.
An infant, for example, is most likely free of sin. When parents present their child to be baptized, they are not doing so to help the child repent. They are doing something else.
Jesus chose to be baptized so that all would feel welcome to come to the Holy Spirit, following his example. The need is for us to invite the Holy Spirit into our lives, or, in the case of the infant, to make that request for him or her.
What we gain when we accept Jesus as our savior and invite the Holy Spirit into our lives is freedom from fear, freedom from uncertainty. We gain strength in our faith.
As Christians, we believe that Jesus died to save us all, so that could mean our sins are already forgiven. So, if all you are looking for is forgiveness, the act of repentance is enough.
But if you want a better life, one filled with the confidence of God's closeness and grace, you might want to do a little bit more.
More to come...